Sarsfields see off Craughwell to claim first Galway title since 1997

Galway SHC Final Replay: Sarsfields 2-10 Craughwell 0-14

Sarsfields players celebrate at the end of the game.Sarsfields captain Joe Cooney lifts the cup after the game.Players from both Sarsfields and Craughwell clash before referee Shane Hynes starts the game. Picture credit: David Maher / SPORTSFILE

Sarsfields claimed their first Galway senior hurling title in 18 years by defeating gallant Craughwell in the county final replay at Pearse Stadium.

Craughwell, bidding for their first county title in 85 years, made the early running and quickly raced into a 0-004 to 0-01 lead as Sarsfields struggled to get to grips with their opponents at Pearse Stadium with Niall Healy keeping the scoreboard ticking over from placed balls.

Galway hurler Joseph Cooney changed the momentum of the contest when he finished to the net after a surging run to ensure the sides enetered the break on level terms.

Niall Morrissey, son of Noel Morrissey who featured in all of Sarsfields’ six county title wins between 1980 and ’97, claimed three successive points before a second goal, a flick to the net by Sean Kelly, put Sars in the driving seat.

Players from both Sarsfields and Craughwell clash before referee Shane Hynes starts the game. Picture credit: David Maher / SPORTSFILE

Healy was unerring from frees and while Craughwell never threw in the towel, it wasn’t to be their day.